Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of basic biological, chemical and physical science principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil issues. In this class, emphasis is on understanding the underlying scientific theories of forensic science, with special emphasis on the basics of chemistry. The class will build upon the student’s prior knowledge of biology and chemistry, using analytical chemistry techniques to analyze and identify trace evidence, including DNA. Students will evaluate the constituents of materials by organic, inorganic, and biochemical analysis, and use their academic and laboratory skills to develop a deeper understanding of science. This class prepares students to further their science education at the university level, and introduces them to the possibilities of a science related career. Major themes of study in this course are pathology, anthropology, odontology, ballistics, trace evidence, biological fluids, DNA, fingerprints, impression evidence, questioned documents and forensic psychiatry/psychology.

WEEK UNIT LAB TIME (Hours)
First Semester
1 Introduction Shredded paper reassembly 3
2 Evidence Observational skills (suspect ID) 1
3 Evidence Microscope introduction 2
Chromatography introduction 1.5
4 Crime scene Mapping of a crime scene 3
5 Fingerprints Prints (completing print card) 1
Lifting (powder on different surfaces) 2
6 Fuming (Cyanoacrylate, Iodine) 1
Classifying (Henry’s classification) 2
7 Matching prints with suspect 2
9 Hair Hair comparisons 3
11 Fibers Wayne Williams case history investigation 1
13 Fiber burning analysis 1
Solvent solubility 1
14 Documents Handwriting analysis 1
Match handwriting to suspect 1
15 Ink chromatography 2
16 Drugs Spot test lab (Initial drug identification) 1
17 Unknown powder Lab (Aspirin I.D.) 1.5
Second Semester
1 Toxicology Lead detection 1
3 Soil Soil profile (Soil comparisons) 2
4 Soil density gradient tube 1
Soil particle size profile 1
Tire track casting 1
5 Glass Direction of force 1
6 Glass density lab 2
7 Serology Blood typing 1
8 Blood identification (Luminol) 1
9 Blood spatter analysis 2
10 DNA Analysis DNA extraction 1
11 Electrophoresis lab 2
12 RFLP simulation 2
13 Entomology Time of death (Insect life cycles) 10
15 Anthropology Height, sex, and age determination 2
17 Firearms Test for lead residue 1
Bullet comparisons 1